GM replaces Chevy brand manager after 5 months

General Motors has replaced its Chevrolet brand manager after just five months as it continues to shake up top management.

GM said in a statement Wednesday that James Campbell will now lead the company's largest and most important brand. Campbell replaces Brent Dewar, who will retire April 1 to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests.

Dewar, Chevrolet's global vice president, was named to the post in July by former CEO Fritz Henderson. Henderson abruptly resigned under pressure on Dec. 1 and was replaced on an interim basis by CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre Jr.

Campbell, 45, joined GM in 1988 and was previously in charge of the automaker's fleet and commercial vehicle operations.

"Jim has a strong track record of building relationships and partnerships with dealers and customers, and deep Chevrolet experience," said Susan Docherty, GM's vice president of sales, service and marketingd. "His energy, drive for results and willingness to take risks are great assets for leading the growing global Chevrolet brand."

GM said Tuesday it is close to replacing its chief financial officer after finding an unidentified candidate to take his job. It was the first time the automaker has publicly acknowledged that the board plans to replace current CFO Ray Young. An announcement is likely in two to three weeks.

Young would be the second top executive, after CEO Fritz Henderson, to be replaced by Whitacre and the new government-appointed board, which took over control of the troubled automaker as it emerged from bankruptcy protection in July.

The company also announced a number of promotions last week, including naming former engineering head Mark Reuss as North America president and merging marketing and sales under sales chief Susan Docherty.